The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV was awarded the ‘Best Ultra Low Emission Vehicle’ at this year’s Fleet World Honours, at the RAC Club in Pall Mall, London.

The Fleet World Honours are presented annually to those motor manufacturers, service companies and individuals that have, in the opinion of the judges, achieved the highest possible level of excellence in their sector.

The Fleet World Honours are open to all motor manufacturers. The judging process combines the expert opinion of the Fleet World editorial team with the values provided by a number of leading leasing companies and fleet data providers.

The judging panel is chaired by Steve Moody, Editor of Fleet World, and includes John Kendall, Alex Grant, Natalie Wallis and Dan Gilkes from the Fleet World editorial team. Residual value, maintenance and reliability data is provided by ALD Automotive, LeasePlan and Arval. Market value data is provided by EurotaxGlass and CAP.

“Helped by price parity with the diesel version, the Outlander PHEV’s phenomenal success has transformed Mitsubishi’s presence in fleet. Over 10,000 sold in the UK in its first eight months, overtaking the Nissan LEAF’s four-year total. Two thirds of Outlander PHEV sales went to business users. With ongoing investment in the dealer network and production being expanded in Japan, Mitsubishi Motors UK reckons it’s only the beginning. But what a start,” Fleet World Editor, Steve Moody said.

The combination of the Outlander’s powerful electric motors and petrol engine give it a smooth, quiet, refined ride with the potential of reaching 148mpg. It only emits 44g/km CO2, which means no Vehicle Excise Duty (VED). Most significantly, the entry model Outlander PHEV is available to buy at the same price as its diesel equivalent, starting at £28,249.

What’s more, company car drivers will further benefit – a 40% tax paying customer will pay company car tax on the Outlander PHEV of £665 in the first year. Businesses benefit because they can write-down the vehicle’s full value in the first 12 months.